“Many thanks again, priest” said Grum as he ate some more food.
“Why are you still eating?” asked Arastead.
“I find near-death experiences make me ravenous,” was the reply as he ate more food. Arastead simply sighed.
Farling chuckled. “I am just grateful the plan worked.”
Astrid cleared her throat, then said: “Will my daughter know she is a Sorceress?”
Margret nodded. “Yes, she will know. It is beyond your control. The Midgard Serpent and Yggdrasil will call to your daughter, will whisper to her in her dreams, will fill her mind with magical possibilities. I always felt magic as I was growing up, as I am sure both Arastead and Sihr also felt magic at a young age.” Both nodded in agreement. “Your daughter will be aware of her abilities; you will not be able to shield her from that.”
Margret continued: “The elves will not rest until they have captured your daughter and brought her back to Alfheim. Their hatred of Midgard is now immeasurable as we have thwarted their plans more than once.”
“What if my daughter is far away, somewhere the elves cannot capture her?” asked Astrid.
Sihr shook his head. “Her fate is already being sewn in to the Tapestry by the Norns,” he said. “Hiding her away will do more harm than good.”
“If I cannot protect my daughter from the elves, then what should I do?” asked Astrid.
“We will protect her,” said Margret. “Arastead can detect if a portal rune is active, so he knows if the elves are attacking using the portal runes. Using my circlet, given to me by Freya, I can see just far enough into the future to see if there is any danger to your daughter. And we have the warriors, Grum and Farling, who will always be her guardians.”
Farling nodded. “If she is a Sorceress, then she must be raised a Sorceress,” he said. “She must be trained to use her powers of magic to their fullest extent. She cannot hide from who she is, it will only make things worse.”
Astrid scoffed. “All fine for you to decide,” she said. “But if she is to be wise in the use of her magic, who will train her?”
“I will teach her how to be a druid,” said Margret.
“I will teach her how to be a wizard,” said Arastead.
“I will teach her how to fight with a sword,” said Farling.
“I will teach her how to be a cleric,” said Sihr.
“I will teach her how to be a thief,” said Melgund.
“I will teach her how to read and write,” said Pressan.
And Grum said: “And I will teach her the most important skill of all: How to be a blacksmith.”
Arastead grinned. “And here I thought you were going to teach her how to eat,” he said.
“That will cost her extra,” said Grum with a wink.
“Your Majesty,” began Pressan, “I think your daughter will be both cared after and protected.”
Margret added: “Just remember, protecting your daughter often means exposing her to danger. I know from experience. But if she is trained and taught well, she will be strong.”
Astrid sighed loudly then after a short pause said: “I hope for all of us that my daughter grows up wise. For she will have great power, power that everyone will covet. For if it is not the elves who seek her, it will be the dwarves. And if it is not the dwarves who seek her, then the frost giants will. And, let us not forget the remaining Norse gods, for if the story is true, that Odin is responsible for creating a Sorceress, then we may need to protect my daughter from the Norse gods as well.”
Margret said: “And I worry the Norns will covet her as well.”
CHAPTER 35
A Visit to the Realm of the Dwarves
The next day, everyone left the Pitcairn thieves guild.
On her way towards Trondheim Margret said: “I know my father is in Aarlund exploring Alchemist’s abandoned stronghold. I have been talking with Nas and everyone is fine. They will make their way down to Trondheim as fast as they can.”
“What of Alchemist’s stronghold?” asked Farling.
“From what Nas could tell me, it sounds like it was exciting, so I look forward to talking to them face-to-face.”
And after several days of uneventful travel, they arrived in Trondheim, where everyone went their separate way. And as Farling, Grum, and Arastead unpacked their belongings, there was a polite knock at the entrance to the forge.
“Sihr,” said Farling, recognizing the Paupers Temple priest. “I thought we would not see you for a while. What services can this humble forge provide you?”
Arastead chuckled, hearing his usual greetings used this time towards him. “It is not your forge the Paupers Temple needs, it is your sword, your war hammer, and your quarterstaff,” he said, looking at everyone in turn.
“Oh,” began Grum, “we are off on another adventure so soon? I was hoping to do some work in the forge before we were needed again.”
Sihr nodded: “My apologies, Grum, I would not ask if I did not think it serious,” he said.
“Grum, go easy on Sihr,” said Arastead. “You know he would not be here if it was not serious. Besides, we did not need you when we kidnapped the queen. Perhaps we will not need you on this job as well.”
Grum’s chuckle turned to a laugh. “If you may recall, I had one foot in the grave.”
Arastead winked: “A good thing then that you did not put both feet in,” he said.
“If the duties of the forge have waited this long, they can wait another day,” said Grum. “We do need to make sure we have enough coin to cover the costs we owe to the blacksmiths guild.”
“We should be fine,” said Arastead. “We are in arrears as we have been away awhile. But we should be able to pay and still have some coin left over for a new hat for you.”
“Good,” said Grum, “as I think I am growing again.”
“Your head is growing again?” said Arastead.
“I refuse to be baited,” said Grum. “Now, tell me, friend Sihr, what do you need us for?”
“As you recall, I visited Nidavellir,” said Sihr. “And while we were gone in Pitcairn, Rickters received word that Jakobus completed Loki’s crown. And so, we have been invited to visit the dwarf realm and accompany Jakobus to see Freya.”
“Surprising still that Jakobus made a crown for Loki,” said Farling, “considering his hatred towards the Trickster.”
“Yes,” said Sihr, “but though his realm is now bustling with activity, his enmity towards Loki remains strong. Jakobus still feels slighted and wronged after all these years. Especially since the princess who Loki kissed still nurses a broken heart.”
“This Loki causes more grief and starts more wars than anyone I know,” said Farling.
Sihr nodded and said: “And Loki may be about to start more grief once he is freed from his curse.”
“What a bitter medicine for Jakobus,” said Arastead. “He must not have been pleased with that task: the first item they make from their mighty forges is a crown for the Norse god he still despises.”
“It was the only way for his curse to be broken,” said Sihr. “A crown must be placed upon the statue of Loki, where he stands in the middle of hot desert, and this crown must be made by the dwarves as it will represent peace between the Norse gods and the dwarves.”
“And an uneasy peace it will be,” said Farling. “Loki is sure to start trouble again. He will soon know that the frost giants too are awake. He will seek out the frost giant princess, Yorli. Odin must have had some master plan up his sleeve when he cursed both Freya and Loki to stand as statues. He must have known the elves would return one day in full strength and that the old gods would be needed so that the realm of Midgard would be safe.”
“I just like it that I will need to protect Loki from Jakobus,” said Grum.
“That we may,” said Farling. “So, Sihr, Jakobus has finished this crown you say.”
“Yes, and he wishes for me to accompany him to see Freya, who will tell us where Loki’s statue stands. And as A
rastead is now quite strong in portal runes, he may be able to take us to Loki’s statue.”
“There must be a portal rune near the statue of Loki in order for my magic to work,” said Arastead. “There must always be two portal runes, one to leave, another one to arrive. And, I would like it if Princess Margret accompanies us.”
“A good idea,” said Farling. “She is a strong leader and has good battle plans. She organized us well in our fight against Grendel and when we fought Amaliji. I will follow her lead.”
“Good,” said Sihr, “then let us be off. We will collect Princess Margret, then make our way to Nidavellir, the realm of the dwarves.”
Grum scratched his chin. “By the way, how do we get to the realm of the dwarves?” he said.
***
As they had discussed, soon they found Princess Margret and asked her to join them on a visit to Nidavellir.
“What of Nas?” asked Sihr. “Will he join us?”
“They are still not yet in Trondheim and I think it best that we perform this task as soon as we can,” she said. “We cannot wait for him. Anyways, I think it wise that the visiting group be as few as possible. And, as I am a member of the royal family from Aarlund, I will be someone Jakobus needs to take seriously. Speaking of serious, a delegation from Midgard should visit soon welcoming the return of the dwarves. King Cormac and King Frederick will need to be part of the delegation. Remind me to send a note to my father.”
“Why not send a note by raven,” said Farling. “It will be faster.”
“An excellent idea,” agreed Margret. “Well, blacksmiths, shall we visit the realm where the forge rules all? I think it should be very interesting especially for you three to see the great forges of Nidavellir.”
Farling snapped his fingers. “Say, Arastead, what of you and the Book of Princore?” he asked. “Perhaps this is an opportunity for you to remind Jakobus of your agreement.”
“Perhaps, if the opportunity arises,” he answered. “Also, I think it best if we always refer to Jakobus as King Jakobus, as he is the lord of the dwarves, ruler of Nidavellir.”
“An excellent point,” said Margret. “We would do well to heed your advice.”
“Should we not bring a present?” asked Sihr. “After all, it is not like the first time when I visited with King Jakobus and none of his people were awake. It will be different this time. There will be guards, he will have his lords, he will have his council.”
Farling frowned. “You think there will be that much pomp and ceremony for us?” he asked.
“Well, yes and no,” said Margret. “As we should not be official visitors, it should hopefully be less of an affair. I do know a thing or two about royal visits.”
“Margret, what do you think would make a good present?” asked Sihr.
“A shame Grum would not part with his war hammer,” she said with a wink.
A look of horror passed over Grum’s face. “I would never part with my war hammer, though Jakobus would like it. It was he after all that stole it for a while. But it is not his to take, I was given it by Freya as I am one of her heroes.”
Margret chuckled. “I was just teasing, Grum, I would never ask you to part with your hammer.”
“Perhaps some of our finest forge coal,” said Grum. “What is with you all shaking your heads. You all think it is a bad idea?”
“I just think that the king of dwarves is more deserving of something finer than coal,” said Arastead.
“Actually,” started Sihr, “I think that may be the best gift of all to the dwarves. They have enough gold, enough jewels, enough fancy items. But good quality forge coal, that is special.”
“Apologies, Grum,” said Arastead. “I forget that you do have the good idea on occasion.”
“Apology accepted,” said Grum. “Just buy me some food next time we are at the pub. Now, let us grab some of our finest forge coal, put it in a fancy bag with a pretty ribbon, and be off.”
***
Sihr led the small group to the Knights Stable, the largest stable in the city of Trondheim where all the horses used in the King’s Tournament were housed, fed, and pampered. Before anyone realized Jakobus was the king of dwarves, everyone knew him as the owner of the Knights Stable.
Grum said: “I always did think he was a little short.”
“Yes, but you never thought he was a dwarf,” said Arastead.
“No,” said Farling, “I never would have thought of him as a dwarf, either. We all thought the dwarves were gone, asleep in Nidavellir, never to be awoken again.”
“I can now see though why one should never mess with a dwarf,” said Margret. “Jakobus is as tough as nails and ran the Knights Stable like, well, like a small army.”
“Exactly,” said Farling. “As much as I admire Jakobus, I do wonder what the dwarves will be thinking in a world where there are only two of the old Norse gods remaining.”
“You worry they will attempt a power grab of some sort?” asked Arastead. “Try to take over Asgard?”
Farling shrugged. “I just do not know what will happen, but their hatred of Loki has not dissipated over the years,” he said. “The elves too are filled with hatred. It does not lead to good outcomes.”
“If we can,” began Margret, “we will need to find out what Jakobus plans to do with a realm full of dwarves. The clans in Aarlund always fought one another. The world now is divided into realms that want to fight one another. It is like the clan wars, just on a larger level.”
“What brought all the clans together?” asked Arastead.
“Nas was the one the clans followed,” she replied. “They may have pledged allegiance to my father, but the people of Aarlund are a superstitious lot. The mysticism of the druid, the fear of the supernatural, this is why the clans fell into line. Nas warned them of the upcoming battle, the unnatural fire that would burn across the land leaving devastation in its wake. They knew that alone, the clans would perish, but that together, the clans of Aarlund would have a fighting chance against any attacking army.”
“Did Nas know it was the elves who planned to attack Midgard?” asked Farling.
“I do not believe so, but I am quite sure he was afraid that it was the elves. He always worried about the Alfheim Gateway, and there is only one reason to worry about the gateway to the realm of the elves.”
“Oh,” interrupted Sihr, “before we enter the Knights Stable, remember what I told you of the she-dwarves.”
Grum nodded. “Yes, they all have beards and it is hard to tell the men-dwarves apart from the she-dwarves,” he said. “Just like you told us earlier”
Sihr smiled wryly. Said: “I know you jest, Grum, but it is another grievance the dwarves have with the Norse gods. Odin was furious that the dwarves made Aesirslayer, the blade that can kill a Norse god. So, in punishment, Odin changed the dwarves for the dwarves were not always as they now are. Odin said that if the dwarves wanted to mine for gold and precious jewels and make items of magic in their forges, then he would change them so that they could mine better, work in the forges better. And so Odin made them short and stocky. And to constantly remind them of this punishment, Odin left the she-dwarves as they always were.”
“You mean the she-dwarves did not always have beards,” said Grum.
Sihr narrowed his eyes on Grum. “No, the she-dwarves of Nidavellir are beautiful,” he said. “Tall, lithe, fair- or red-haired, they are gorgeous. And the dwarf-men of Nidavellir always then are worried that they will lose their women to other people, other realms. For the dwarf-men always worry that the women will find them short, ugly, and hairy.”
“Which is why when Loki kissed a dwarf princess, it set off more fears, that the gods would then want the dwarf-women of Nidavellir as their own,” said Farling.
“Exactly,” said Sihr. “I blundered badly when I first entered the realm of dwarves with Jakobus and helped him awaken his brethren. When I first cast my eyes on the women of Nidavellir, I was struck by their beauty and said some ras
h comments, all of which were not appreciated by Jakobus. But he forgave my transgressions as I was instrumental in helping him light the forges of Nidavellir. But he will not forgive anyone else. So, I warn you: do not make jokes, or make light of the women of Nidavellir. Jakobus or any of the dwarf lords will not take kindly to it.”
“Why is everyone looking at me?” said Grum.
“Because it is usually your feet we need to extract from your mouth,” said Arastead.
“Fine, I have been warned,” said Grum.
“That is even if the women of Nidavellir appear,” said Sihr. “I wonder if they will simply be hidden from view so that no issues are ever made apparent.”
“We shall see, and we will be careful in our comments,” said Margret.
“Why are you looking at me again,” said Grum. “I will be as quiet as a mouse in a forge.”
“A hungry mouse in the forge,” said Arastead.
“That goes without saying,” said Farling.
“We are here,” said Sihr. “The people who work for Jakobus will recognize me. They may recognize everyone else as friends, but still, they know me as having already visited Nidavellir.”
Sihr led them through the Knights Stable and down an unused and almost forgotten staircase. Now, at the bottom were two dwarf guards, resplendent in their ceremonial armor. Beside them sat one of Jakobus’s household servants, who recognized Sihr and everyone else. Sihr described how he had been asked to accompany King Jakobus to visit Freya with the crown the dwarves had recently created.
“He is expecting you and your guests,” was the reply. He nodded at the ceremonial guards who then touched a section of the wall behind them with the amulets that hung round their necks.
The Prophecy of Asgard Page 25